(Summary from Goodreads). From the author of This Song Will Save Your Life comes a funny and relatable book about the hazards of falling for a person you haven't met yet.
Seventeen-year-old Arden Huntley is recklessly loyal. Taking care of her loved ones is what gives Arden purpose in her life and makes her feel like she matters. But she's tired of being loyal to people who don't appreciate her—including her needy best friend and her absent mom.
Arden finds comfort in a blog she stumbles upon called "Tonight the Streets Are Ours," the musings of a young New York City writer named Peter. When Peter is dumped by the girlfriend he blogs about, Arden decides to take a road trip to see him.
During one crazy night out in NYC filled with parties, dancing, and music—the type of night when anything can happen, and nearly everything does—Arden discovers that Peter isn't exactly who she thought he was. And maybe she isn't exactly who she thought she was, either.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
I was interested in this book because of the cover. It is so pretty and I was very attracted to it. I couldn't put this book down! It was an interesting book. I like that Arden was loyal to her best friend and her bf even if they didn't deserve it. She sticks by her friends no matter what.
I loved Peter's writing. I definitely predicted what happened... and I'm glad that what happened to Peter happened to him. His writing made it seem like his story as the right story until Arden went to NYC and met him and found out more about this story.
The part with Arden's mother was surprising... She was devoted to being the best mother possible and going to extremes to fit that role... until she broke down and couldn't handle it anymore.
I really liked the epilogue. I liked that it was a relatable love story even if the rest of it might not have been as relatable (because who decides to dive to NYC last minute just to meet a blogger?). It was a fun and entertaining read. The plot developed quickly and was easy to follow.
4.5 out of five stars.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
REVIEW: Be With Me by J. Lynn
(Summary from Goodreads). Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year—she’s in love with her big brother’s best friend, but he hasn’t spoken to her since they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, change-your-life kiss. She got out of a terrible relationship. And now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good. It’s time for Plan B – college. And maybe a chance to convince Jase that what they have together is real.
Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he’s not telling anyone. Especially not his best friend’s incredibly beautiful sister. Even though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his responsibilities must take priority. He certainly doesn’t have time for a relationship. But it doesn’t help that all he can think about kissing the one girl who could ruin everything for him.
As they’re thrown together more and more, Jase and Tess can’t keep denying their feelings for each other. But a familiar danger looms and tragedy strikes. As the campus recovers, the star-crossed couple must decide what they’re willing to risk to be together, and what they’re willing to lose if they’re not.
OMG. This book. I loved the characters. I loved that it was about Cam's little sister. It was such a great read. Very entertaining and I couldn't put it down. I will definiltey be reading more of J. Lynn's books.
Jase's story though! It was so perfect and different. I love that he finally opened up to love Teresa.
I felt so bad for Teresea... for what happened with her with dance and her roommate. The book had a great story and fast pace. The characters were likable and hilarious.
Of course I loved that Cam and Avery played big parts in this book. Their connection and humor made me laugh. Of course there was a lot of swoon worthy moments and hilarious moments. I had to resist turning to the last page to read what happened. I LOVED IT.
Five out of five stars.
REVIEW: The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things by Ann Aguirre
(Summary from Goodreads). Sage Czinski is trying really hard to be perfect. If she manages it, people won’t peer beyond the surface, or ask hard questions about her past. She’s learned to substitute causes for relationships, and it’s working just fine… until Shane Cavendish strolls into her math class. He’s a little antisocial, a lot beautiful, and everything she never knew she always wanted.
Shane Cavendish just wants to be left alone to play guitar and work on his music. He’s got heartbreak and loneliness in his rearview mirror, and this new school represents his last chance. He doesn’t expect to be happy; he only wants to graduate and move on. He never counted on a girl like Sage.
But love doesn’t mend all broken things, and sometimes life has to fall apart before it can be put back together again
Shane Cavendish just wants to be left alone to play guitar and work on his music. He’s got heartbreak and loneliness in his rearview mirror, and this new school represents his last chance. He doesn’t expect to be happy; he only wants to graduate and move on. He never counted on a girl like Sage.
But love doesn’t mend all broken things, and sometimes life has to fall apart before it can be put back together again
I honestly couldn't put this book down. I had to find out what happened with Sage... and what was going to happen with Sage and Shane. I wasn't disappointed. It was a really good book with a fast plot and likable characters.
I like how Sage would leave positive post-its on random lockers or lockers of people she thought needed it all throughout her high school life. That is such a great thing to do for fellow school mates. I love the thought of someone leaving warm fuzzies for other people.
Shane was an interesting character. I'm surprised he got away with living on his own for so long... Sage and Shane were such a good couple. The ending made me tear up a little bit. Sage obviously had some PTSD about what happened and was very guarded. I like the humor and the SONG OMG. The song that Shane sang was perfection.
This is probably one of my favorite reads of this year. It was very enjoyable and a quick read.
Five out of five stars.
Monday, June 8, 2015
REVIEW: Confess by Colleen Hoover
(Summary from Goodreads). Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight and there’s no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.
For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover Owen is keeping major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.
The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin.
I didn't know that Colleen had come out with a new book... OMG (hahaha). I loved everything about this book! I was so surprised with what happened in this. I loved that it was all fate.
UGH. This book. SO much stuff happened, and it was an emotional roller coaster the whole time. I couldn't put the book down. I just had to find out what happened. I LOVE the idea about the confessions. I want to read more... and I want to write one of my own. I wish there was somewhere that took confessions like that. ;)
I never liked Trey. He just had the worst vibe. Like... tucking in her hair... NO. No no no... Police officers who abuse their power is the worst in my opinion. He just scared me from the beginning. His view of what was happening was messed up.
I loved AJ... I just... he is such a sweet kid and the fact that Auburn had him was just perfect. I mean the situation probably wasn't ideal, but she will always have someone who is part of Adam.
I can't believe that Adam came from a family like that. Not only was the brother insane and horrible, Lydia was the same exact way! NO. I don't understand... like if Auburn knew she was like that, WHY WOULD YOU SIGN OVER ALL THE RIGHTS. NO. NO NO NO. UGH.
This book though. It made me so angry, but I loved it. Owen was just perfect. He was always there for Auburn and understood her. He was there for her and supportive of her decisions.
Five out of five stars.
For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover Owen is keeping major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.
The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin.
I didn't know that Colleen had come out with a new book... OMG (hahaha). I loved everything about this book! I was so surprised with what happened in this. I loved that it was all fate.
UGH. This book. SO much stuff happened, and it was an emotional roller coaster the whole time. I couldn't put the book down. I just had to find out what happened. I LOVE the idea about the confessions. I want to read more... and I want to write one of my own. I wish there was somewhere that took confessions like that. ;)
I never liked Trey. He just had the worst vibe. Like... tucking in her hair... NO. No no no... Police officers who abuse their power is the worst in my opinion. He just scared me from the beginning. His view of what was happening was messed up.
I loved AJ... I just... he is such a sweet kid and the fact that Auburn had him was just perfect. I mean the situation probably wasn't ideal, but she will always have someone who is part of Adam.
I can't believe that Adam came from a family like that. Not only was the brother insane and horrible, Lydia was the same exact way! NO. I don't understand... like if Auburn knew she was like that, WHY WOULD YOU SIGN OVER ALL THE RIGHTS. NO. NO NO NO. UGH.
This book though. It made me so angry, but I loved it. Owen was just perfect. He was always there for Auburn and understood her. He was there for her and supportive of her decisions.
Five out of five stars.
REVIEW: Illuminae (The Illuminae Files, #1) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
(Summary from Goodreads). This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do.
This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.
Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.
Thank you Pasadena Loves YA for the ARC of this book.
I went into this book thinking it was AMAZING because a friend said it was. I got through about 200 pages when I realized I had no idea what was going on.. so I started over. That time I understood what was going on, but was still very unsure about what was happening. It is told from different perspectives, but the only one I really followed was between Kady and Ezra and what AIDAN was thinking. Ha.
Even though I didn't like the book as much as I wish I did, I LOVED the format. I love that it was through IMs, emails, interviews, files, etc. It is very different and I like that!
I think I would have liked this book more if I was into sci-fi. It is a great book, but just not my thing. The writing and plot were perfect. I went into this book with really high expectations, but I don't think that it met those expectations.... but it was really good.
It is 600 pages, but for many of the pages there are just a couple words on the pages... plus the format makes it just fly by. I'm sure I will try and read it again in a couple months, but for now I am taking a break from sci-fi. :)
Four out of five stars.
This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.
Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.
Thank you Pasadena Loves YA for the ARC of this book.
I went into this book thinking it was AMAZING because a friend said it was. I got through about 200 pages when I realized I had no idea what was going on.. so I started over. That time I understood what was going on, but was still very unsure about what was happening. It is told from different perspectives, but the only one I really followed was between Kady and Ezra and what AIDAN was thinking. Ha.
Even though I didn't like the book as much as I wish I did, I LOVED the format. I love that it was through IMs, emails, interviews, files, etc. It is very different and I like that!
I think I would have liked this book more if I was into sci-fi. It is a great book, but just not my thing. The writing and plot were perfect. I went into this book with really high expectations, but I don't think that it met those expectations.... but it was really good.
It is 600 pages, but for many of the pages there are just a couple words on the pages... plus the format makes it just fly by. I'm sure I will try and read it again in a couple months, but for now I am taking a break from sci-fi. :)
Four out of five stars.
REVIEW: Right of Way by Lauren Barnholdt
(Summary from Goodreads). Here are Peyton and Jace, meeting on vacation. Click! It’s awesome, it’s easy, it’s romantic. This is the real deal.
Unless it isn’t. Because when you’re in love, you don’t just stop calling one day. And you don’t keep secrets. Or lie. And when your life starts falling apart, you’re supposed to have the other person to lean on.
Here are Peyton and Jace again, broken up but thrown together on a road trip. One of them is lying about the destination. One of them is pretending not to be leaving something behind. And neither of them is prepared for what’s coming on the road ahead.
This was an interesting book to read. I love that after the couple of months, Jace still loves Peyton. I feel like he had a good reason to be angry with Peyton, but that twas not the right way to handle it.
I liked this book just fine. It wasn't my favorite contemporary book, but it wasn't the worst book ever. It was written well and I liked the characters. I've had it on my TBR for months when I first read Two-Way Street. It was great that the characters from that book made a cameo in this book!
The only thing I didn't like was that Peyton never confronted her mom about what she did! Like no. That part seemed open ended because it was a big part of the story.
It was an easy, beach/summery/road trip read. I liked it. Nothing about it stood out to me... but I liked it for what it is.
Four out of five stars.
Unless it isn’t. Because when you’re in love, you don’t just stop calling one day. And you don’t keep secrets. Or lie. And when your life starts falling apart, you’re supposed to have the other person to lean on.
Here are Peyton and Jace again, broken up but thrown together on a road trip. One of them is lying about the destination. One of them is pretending not to be leaving something behind. And neither of them is prepared for what’s coming on the road ahead.
This was an interesting book to read. I love that after the couple of months, Jace still loves Peyton. I feel like he had a good reason to be angry with Peyton, but that twas not the right way to handle it.
I liked this book just fine. It wasn't my favorite contemporary book, but it wasn't the worst book ever. It was written well and I liked the characters. I've had it on my TBR for months when I first read Two-Way Street. It was great that the characters from that book made a cameo in this book!
The only thing I didn't like was that Peyton never confronted her mom about what she did! Like no. That part seemed open ended because it was a big part of the story.
It was an easy, beach/summery/road trip read. I liked it. Nothing about it stood out to me... but I liked it for what it is.
Four out of five stars.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
REVIEW: PS, I Still Love You by Jenny Han
(Summary from Goodreads). Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter.
She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever.
When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?
In this charming and heartfelt sequel to the New York Times bestseller To All the Boys I've Loved Before, we see first love through the eyes of the unforgettable Lara Jean. Love is never easy, but maybe that’s part of what makes it so amazing.
I've been a BIG fan of Jenny's since I first found her books after I found Sarah Dessen's. I loved her Summer series. They have a special place in my heart. I really liked To All the Boys. It was so adorable and sweet... I really liked Josh. I didn't think it was good for her to be with Gogo's ex boyfriend, but I also think that if it's true love... it's meant to be. You know?
Well in comes Peter. I don't know why, but he just rubbed me the wrong way. I feel like he's very into appearances. He's incredibly loyal to his close ones and that is what I liked about him even though it could be a negative aspect of him. I wish that Lara Jean chose John. I honestly do. I don't know why I don't like Peter. I really don't.
This was a fun book to read. It is VERY adorable and cute. Lara Jean is everything that a person who is in love with love embodies. She is such a dreamer, but will do what it takes to make her goals a reality. I love her love for crafts, baking, and finding love.
Overall this was a fun book to read, it wasn't bad... but also wasn't my favorite book ever. I liked it enough to read it again. :)
Four out of five stars.
She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever.
When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?
In this charming and heartfelt sequel to the New York Times bestseller To All the Boys I've Loved Before, we see first love through the eyes of the unforgettable Lara Jean. Love is never easy, but maybe that’s part of what makes it so amazing.
I've been a BIG fan of Jenny's since I first found her books after I found Sarah Dessen's. I loved her Summer series. They have a special place in my heart. I really liked To All the Boys. It was so adorable and sweet... I really liked Josh. I didn't think it was good for her to be with Gogo's ex boyfriend, but I also think that if it's true love... it's meant to be. You know?
Well in comes Peter. I don't know why, but he just rubbed me the wrong way. I feel like he's very into appearances. He's incredibly loyal to his close ones and that is what I liked about him even though it could be a negative aspect of him. I wish that Lara Jean chose John. I honestly do. I don't know why I don't like Peter. I really don't.
This was a fun book to read. It is VERY adorable and cute. Lara Jean is everything that a person who is in love with love embodies. She is such a dreamer, but will do what it takes to make her goals a reality. I love her love for crafts, baking, and finding love.
Overall this was a fun book to read, it wasn't bad... but also wasn't my favorite book ever. I liked it enough to read it again. :)
Four out of five stars.
REVIEW: Wait for You by J. Lynn
(Summary from Goodreads). Some things are worth waiting for…
Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.
Some things are worth experiencing…
Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.
Some things should never be kept quiet…
But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?
And some things are worth fighting for…
This story though... I loved every part of it. It had the steamy relationship, the amazing guy, and the vulnerable main character. I LOVE CAM. He had me at "sweetheart." *SA-WOON* I can't wait to find myself a Cam. I was so annoyed with Avery for turning him down for so freaking long.
I absolutely hated her family. It is ridiculous what her family did to her and it has stuck with her for so long... and then her mom said that her own daughter caused her so much pain. WHAT THE ACTUAL. Forget her! Ha.
The only part of this story I didn't like was who was behind the calls, texts, and emails. I was thinking it was something more... like the actual guy or something. I didn't expect it to be who it was.
This was my first official New Adult novel to read. It was recommended by a friend and I LOVED IT. I am a big fan of Jennifer L. Armentrout's YA books so I was really excited to read this book. I am really excited to read more in the series. :)
I was SUPER annoyed though. My copy of the book says "Signed first edition." IT WAS NOT FREAKING SIGNED. -_-
4.5 out of five stars.
Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.
Some things are worth experiencing…
Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.
Some things should never be kept quiet…
But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?
And some things are worth fighting for…
This story though... I loved every part of it. It had the steamy relationship, the amazing guy, and the vulnerable main character. I LOVE CAM. He had me at "sweetheart." *SA-WOON* I can't wait to find myself a Cam. I was so annoyed with Avery for turning him down for so freaking long.
I absolutely hated her family. It is ridiculous what her family did to her and it has stuck with her for so long... and then her mom said that her own daughter caused her so much pain. WHAT THE ACTUAL. Forget her! Ha.
The only part of this story I didn't like was who was behind the calls, texts, and emails. I was thinking it was something more... like the actual guy or something. I didn't expect it to be who it was.
This was my first official New Adult novel to read. It was recommended by a friend and I LOVED IT. I am a big fan of Jennifer L. Armentrout's YA books so I was really excited to read this book. I am really excited to read more in the series. :)
I was SUPER annoyed though. My copy of the book says "Signed first edition." IT WAS NOT FREAKING SIGNED. -_-
4.5 out of five stars.
REVIEW: Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry
(Summary from Goodreads) Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.
Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.
No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.
I received this book for free for an honest review.
Now I LOVE Katie's stories. They are so good and each one so different. I love everything about her other characters. They all stuck with me (and now that I'm thinking about it... it's time for a reread!). I was VERY excited to hear that she was writing another series. I wasn't terribly intrigued by the idea, but I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed!
I really liked this story. It was different. I am not really interested in motorcycle clubs... I've heard about a couple organizations that advocate for different things (one of my past professors was part of a motorcycle group against child abuse, I think).
I was excited to read Katie's newest book... but then... I don't know. I wasn't SUPER attached to the characters. I liked Emily's attitude. Her stubbornness, vulnerability, and spark stuck with me. She kept saying she was her adopted father's daughter, but through her time in Ohio with her birth father... it was apparent that that aspect of her life was just in hiding.
Oz was... adorable. I would probably have been scared of him if I had met him in person, but he has the super sweet side to him. He is INCREDIBLY LOYAL and that is what I loved about him. He is loyal to his friends and family. His family is number one in his mind... and his friends are part of his family.
This was an interesting story. I liked it enough. I will probably read it in the future, but it wasn't like AMAZING. If you like her other stories, you will enjoy this one as well.
Four out of five stars.
Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.
No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.
I received this book for free for an honest review.
Now I LOVE Katie's stories. They are so good and each one so different. I love everything about her other characters. They all stuck with me (and now that I'm thinking about it... it's time for a reread!). I was VERY excited to hear that she was writing another series. I wasn't terribly intrigued by the idea, but I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed!
I really liked this story. It was different. I am not really interested in motorcycle clubs... I've heard about a couple organizations that advocate for different things (one of my past professors was part of a motorcycle group against child abuse, I think).
I was excited to read Katie's newest book... but then... I don't know. I wasn't SUPER attached to the characters. I liked Emily's attitude. Her stubbornness, vulnerability, and spark stuck with me. She kept saying she was her adopted father's daughter, but through her time in Ohio with her birth father... it was apparent that that aspect of her life was just in hiding.
Oz was... adorable. I would probably have been scared of him if I had met him in person, but he has the super sweet side to him. He is INCREDIBLY LOYAL and that is what I loved about him. He is loyal to his friends and family. His family is number one in his mind... and his friends are part of his family.
This was an interesting story. I liked it enough. I will probably read it in the future, but it wasn't like AMAZING. If you like her other stories, you will enjoy this one as well.
Four out of five stars.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
REVIEW: Those Girls by Lauren Saft
(Summary from Goodreads). Some girls will always have your back, and some girls can't help but stab you in it.
Junior year, the suburbs of Philadelphia. Alex, Mollie and Veronica are those girls: they're the best of friends and the party girls of the school. But how well does everybody know them--and really, how well do they know one another? Alex is secretly in love with the boy next door and has joined a band--without telling anyone. Mollie suffers from a popular (and possibly sociopathic) boyfriend, as well as a serious mean streak. And Veronica just wants to be loved--literally, figuratively, physically....she's not particular. Will this be the year that bonds them forever....or tears them apart for good?
Lauren Saft masterfully conveys what goes on in the mind of a teenage girl, and her debut novel is raw, honest, hilarious, and thought-provoking, with a healthy dose of heart.
I really tried to give this book a try. When I saw it on Netgalley and read the summary, I downloaded it right away... I just love books about friendship and alternating POVs. But this was just too much. I got through (maybe) 3 chapters before I had enough.
These "bffs" are so rude and horrible! I'm not really for friends who are nice to each other on the outside and secretly hate each other on the inside. It's just not cool. I've had it happen to me before and it's not okay. These girls are rich so therefore very stuck up... from what I read from other reviews, it gets worse.
Maybe I'll give it another try in the future, but it was not my cup of tea. Books like this are kind of for a younger/different audience. I love books about revenge and friendship and that kind of stuff, but.... this was just too much seeing as the girls had no reason to be so rude to each other right at the beginning of the book. Right at the beginning one of the girls decided to join a band or audition or whatever. She told one of her friends, and she wasn't even supportive. She just said something like "what made you all of a sudden want to join a band?" and "Did you tell Veronica?" Like... what even?
1 out of five stars?
Junior year, the suburbs of Philadelphia. Alex, Mollie and Veronica are those girls: they're the best of friends and the party girls of the school. But how well does everybody know them--and really, how well do they know one another? Alex is secretly in love with the boy next door and has joined a band--without telling anyone. Mollie suffers from a popular (and possibly sociopathic) boyfriend, as well as a serious mean streak. And Veronica just wants to be loved--literally, figuratively, physically....she's not particular. Will this be the year that bonds them forever....or tears them apart for good?
Lauren Saft masterfully conveys what goes on in the mind of a teenage girl, and her debut novel is raw, honest, hilarious, and thought-provoking, with a healthy dose of heart.
I really tried to give this book a try. When I saw it on Netgalley and read the summary, I downloaded it right away... I just love books about friendship and alternating POVs. But this was just too much. I got through (maybe) 3 chapters before I had enough.
These "bffs" are so rude and horrible! I'm not really for friends who are nice to each other on the outside and secretly hate each other on the inside. It's just not cool. I've had it happen to me before and it's not okay. These girls are rich so therefore very stuck up... from what I read from other reviews, it gets worse.
Maybe I'll give it another try in the future, but it was not my cup of tea. Books like this are kind of for a younger/different audience. I love books about revenge and friendship and that kind of stuff, but.... this was just too much seeing as the girls had no reason to be so rude to each other right at the beginning of the book. Right at the beginning one of the girls decided to join a band or audition or whatever. She told one of her friends, and she wasn't even supportive. She just said something like "what made you all of a sudden want to join a band?" and "Did you tell Veronica?" Like... what even?
1 out of five stars?
Sunday, May 10, 2015
REVIEW: The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West
(Summary from Goodreads). When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she decides to do the unthinkable…convince the cute guy waiting to pick up his sister to pretend to be her boyfriend for the night. The task is simple: two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies.
The problem is that days after prom, she can't stop thinking about her fill-in boyfriend. But can Gia turn her fake boyfriend into a real one without exposing her lie and possibly destroying her friendships and her newfound relationship?
Smartly observed and wonderfully romantic, Kasie West's talent shines in this tale of one girl's unexpected quest to find love…and possibly herself.
OMG. I loved this book. Kasie's books are always a lot of fun to read. They are entertaining and easy to read. I loved this story. I was just waiting for Gia's lies to catch up to her, but I also understood why she did it. I understand why she was so closed off. I really did not like Jules. I just wanted Gia to leave her group of friends and not care what anyone says. A person who is looking for ways to break a person isn't a real friend... that's just horrible! Who makes it a mission to steal a friend from someone else? UGH. I hate people like that... The storyline was a lot of fun. It started in the perfect place and progressed perfectly.
Anyways, Hayden though. He is such a dream guy! Like seriously. His character is so much fun and I just loved everything about him. I love him, his mom, and Bec. What a great family! His mom is hilarious. I think that this was my favorite Kasie West story! It is just so adorable and the swoons. I loved everything about it. Read it right away!! :)
Five out of five stars.
The problem is that days after prom, she can't stop thinking about her fill-in boyfriend. But can Gia turn her fake boyfriend into a real one without exposing her lie and possibly destroying her friendships and her newfound relationship?
Smartly observed and wonderfully romantic, Kasie West's talent shines in this tale of one girl's unexpected quest to find love…and possibly herself.
OMG. I loved this book. Kasie's books are always a lot of fun to read. They are entertaining and easy to read. I loved this story. I was just waiting for Gia's lies to catch up to her, but I also understood why she did it. I understand why she was so closed off. I really did not like Jules. I just wanted Gia to leave her group of friends and not care what anyone says. A person who is looking for ways to break a person isn't a real friend... that's just horrible! Who makes it a mission to steal a friend from someone else? UGH. I hate people like that... The storyline was a lot of fun. It started in the perfect place and progressed perfectly.
Anyways, Hayden though. He is such a dream guy! Like seriously. His character is so much fun and I just loved everything about him. I love him, his mom, and Bec. What a great family! His mom is hilarious. I think that this was my favorite Kasie West story! It is just so adorable and the swoons. I loved everything about it. Read it right away!! :)
Five out of five stars.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
REVIEW: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
(Summary from Goodreads). My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.
But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.
Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
This book though. Everyone needs to go pick up a copy when it comes out or add it to their TBR list. When I first got it on my Kindle I was a little hesitant because there are so many chapters, but it is such a quick read. The chapters are 2-3 pages max and they go by fast. There are drawings and pictures of medical papers and IMs incorporated into the book and it makes it so much more believable! It is honestly one of my favorite books that I've read this year.
You meet Maddy who has SCID. She hasn't had any friends her whole life (except her mom and nurse) until she meets Olly. They quickly fall in love and it is amazing. I can't give much away because that wouldn't be fun, but the ending makes my heart jump. :)
The storyline of this book is so different. I haven't read anything like it before... I feel like I have read something (like a Gillian Flynn novel) that was similar in story, but this is definitely for a younger audience than Flynn's novels audience. Just reading the summary on Netgalley drew me in. I was so intrigued to read about someone with a disease that made them stay inside or they would die.
LOVED everything about this book! Add it to your TBR list.
Five out of five stars.
But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.
Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
This book though. Everyone needs to go pick up a copy when it comes out or add it to their TBR list. When I first got it on my Kindle I was a little hesitant because there are so many chapters, but it is such a quick read. The chapters are 2-3 pages max and they go by fast. There are drawings and pictures of medical papers and IMs incorporated into the book and it makes it so much more believable! It is honestly one of my favorite books that I've read this year.
You meet Maddy who has SCID. She hasn't had any friends her whole life (except her mom and nurse) until she meets Olly. They quickly fall in love and it is amazing. I can't give much away because that wouldn't be fun, but the ending makes my heart jump. :)
The storyline of this book is so different. I haven't read anything like it before... I feel like I have read something (like a Gillian Flynn novel) that was similar in story, but this is definitely for a younger audience than Flynn's novels audience. Just reading the summary on Netgalley drew me in. I was so intrigued to read about someone with a disease that made them stay inside or they would die.
LOVED everything about this book! Add it to your TBR list.
Five out of five stars.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
REVIEW: Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold by Katie Finn
(Summary from Goodreads). The war rages on between Gemma and Hallie in the second installment of the Broken Hearts and Revenge series.
After the humiliating events on the 4th of July, Gemma's trying to handle the fact that Hallie knew who she was all along, and she was the one who stole Teddy from her. Gemma vows revenge, but things get more complicated than she planned. Ford, Gemma’s long-time crush, has arrived in the Hamptons cuter than ever. Josh is refusing to speak to her after she lied to him, and Teddy is playing champion to his beloved Marsh Warbler (in Gemma's backyard, no less).
Gemma and Hallie find themselves locked in an escalating revenge cycle. Just when Gemma thinks she has the upper hand, the biggest bombshell of all is dropped. And it’s one that threatens to change her life forever. This exciting sequel to Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things To Mend will leave you begging for the third installment.
I literally just finished this book and wow... I always think about revenge being like chess. You have to be one, two, even three steps ahead of your opponent and PLAN for anything. It is crazy the amount of thinking that is involved. Reading this book was like reading Gone Girl for young adults (just not as crazy...). I love how everything planned out for this book and I knew the ending before I even started it... Hahaha.
I love Ford. I can't believe I didn't realize the acronym before the end. LOL.
This story was purely for fun. It wasn't necessarily hard to read and that's why I liked it. I was in a reading slump and picked up this book at the store last week.... it was really fun to read. It helped me get out of my slump.
I honestly hate Hallie so much. I don't understand how she can have ZERO hard feelings about breaking up not only one, but two relationships and one dealing with her own brother! That is insane. If I had done that to my brother, I would feel miserable. But I have to give it to her, she's smart.... but insane.
I always love Katie/Morgan's books. They are tons of fun to read. Katie's are (in my opinion) for a younger audience. Everyone can read it, but it is like way more juvenile than Morgan's contemporary books. I look forward to reading either author's books no matter what. :)
Five out of five stars.
After the humiliating events on the 4th of July, Gemma's trying to handle the fact that Hallie knew who she was all along, and she was the one who stole Teddy from her. Gemma vows revenge, but things get more complicated than she planned. Ford, Gemma’s long-time crush, has arrived in the Hamptons cuter than ever. Josh is refusing to speak to her after she lied to him, and Teddy is playing champion to his beloved Marsh Warbler (in Gemma's backyard, no less).
Gemma and Hallie find themselves locked in an escalating revenge cycle. Just when Gemma thinks she has the upper hand, the biggest bombshell of all is dropped. And it’s one that threatens to change her life forever. This exciting sequel to Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things To Mend will leave you begging for the third installment.
I literally just finished this book and wow... I always think about revenge being like chess. You have to be one, two, even three steps ahead of your opponent and PLAN for anything. It is crazy the amount of thinking that is involved. Reading this book was like reading Gone Girl for young adults (just not as crazy...). I love how everything planned out for this book and I knew the ending before I even started it... Hahaha.
I love Ford. I can't believe I didn't realize the acronym before the end. LOL.
This story was purely for fun. It wasn't necessarily hard to read and that's why I liked it. I was in a reading slump and picked up this book at the store last week.... it was really fun to read. It helped me get out of my slump.
I honestly hate Hallie so much. I don't understand how she can have ZERO hard feelings about breaking up not only one, but two relationships and one dealing with her own brother! That is insane. If I had done that to my brother, I would feel miserable. But I have to give it to her, she's smart.... but insane.
I always love Katie/Morgan's books. They are tons of fun to read. Katie's are (in my opinion) for a younger audience. Everyone can read it, but it is like way more juvenile than Morgan's contemporary books. I look forward to reading either author's books no matter what. :)
Five out of five stars.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
REVIEW: The Secrets of Attraction by Robin Constantine
(Summary from Goodreads). Set in the same world as The Promise of Amazing, this smart, surprising, and romantic follow-up to Robin Constantine's debut novel follows two New Jersey teens as they become friends and fall in love. Perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins, Sarah Mlynowski, and Jennifer E. Smith.
Madison Pryce thinks she's got everything figured out—she's working on a portfolio for a summer art program and hanging with her friends. Plus she has her hot boyfriend, Zach. But then a visit from a family friend turns Maddie's life upside down.
Jesse McMann is still reeling from a breakup that shattered his heart and his band. Then pride (and some goading from his bass player and fellow barista) forces him to find a new drummer—and the inspiration to write music again.
Kismet arrives in the unlikely form of Grayson Barrett, who tries out for Jesse's band, and whose girlfriend is BFFs with the cute girl who orders a chai latte after yoga every Thursday: Maddie. What Jesse and Maddie thought they knew about the secrets of attraction and the rules of romance changes once they start falling for each other.
This was a really fun book to read. I have no complaints about it... other than the fact that Madison kind of annoyed me. She acted very stuck up in some situations, but that is just my personal opinion. I just can't stand whiny/stuck up girls like her. I really like her group of friends. They're so fun.
I liked that it was alternating perspectives. Jesse was a fun person to be in the mind of and I loved his relationship with his friend, Tanner. His relationship with his parents was also really adorable. I love that his parents are so trusting.
OMG. The one part about Madison's life that her mom lied about though.... I just... that would be horrible! I just don't get why her mom kept it from her seeing as he was part of her life her whole life!
I really liked reading this story. It was a fun and easy read. I love any book that brings up Kismet. :)
Also, can we talk about how gorgeous the cover is?!
4.5 out of five stars.
Madison Pryce thinks she's got everything figured out—she's working on a portfolio for a summer art program and hanging with her friends. Plus she has her hot boyfriend, Zach. But then a visit from a family friend turns Maddie's life upside down.
Jesse McMann is still reeling from a breakup that shattered his heart and his band. Then pride (and some goading from his bass player and fellow barista) forces him to find a new drummer—and the inspiration to write music again.
Kismet arrives in the unlikely form of Grayson Barrett, who tries out for Jesse's band, and whose girlfriend is BFFs with the cute girl who orders a chai latte after yoga every Thursday: Maddie. What Jesse and Maddie thought they knew about the secrets of attraction and the rules of romance changes once they start falling for each other.
This was a really fun book to read. I have no complaints about it... other than the fact that Madison kind of annoyed me. She acted very stuck up in some situations, but that is just my personal opinion. I just can't stand whiny/stuck up girls like her. I really like her group of friends. They're so fun.
I liked that it was alternating perspectives. Jesse was a fun person to be in the mind of and I loved his relationship with his friend, Tanner. His relationship with his parents was also really adorable. I love that his parents are so trusting.
OMG. The one part about Madison's life that her mom lied about though.... I just... that would be horrible! I just don't get why her mom kept it from her seeing as he was part of her life her whole life!
I really liked reading this story. It was a fun and easy read. I love any book that brings up Kismet. :)
Also, can we talk about how gorgeous the cover is?!
4.5 out of five stars.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
REVIEW: Nothing Left to Burn by Patty Blount
(Summary from Goodreads). Reece’s father hasn’t spoken to him since the car wreck that killed Reece’s brother. Desperate for forgiveness, Reece joins the Junior Cadet program at his dad’s firehouse. But the program is grueling, and Reece isn’t sure he can make it through. Then he meets Amanda.
Amanda understands wanting to belong. As a foster kid, the firehouse is the only place that feels like home. She agrees to help Reece, but falling for him wasn’t part of the deal. And when a string of arsons suddenly point to Amanda, their relationship could go up in flames.
Amanda understands wanting to belong. As a foster kid, the firehouse is the only place that feels like home. She agrees to help Reece, but falling for him wasn’t part of the deal. And when a string of arsons suddenly point to Amanda, their relationship could go up in flames.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
I read a couple chapters in this book and I just couldn't do it. I didn't feel connected to Reece or Amanda in any way. I'm not sure why I didn't like it. I really love reading contemporary books... especially sad ones, but this one was just overly sad.
I read a couple chapters in this book and I just couldn't do it. I didn't feel connected to Reece or Amanda in any way. I'm not sure why I didn't like it. I really love reading contemporary books... especially sad ones, but this one was just overly sad.
It just wasn't my cup of tea. I just couldn't get through the whole thing. I tried though. From the reviews I was expecting it to be really good. A lot of people enjoyed it... but it wasn't my favorite read.
In the couple of chapters that I got through, I know that there's TONS of drama. Just... way too much for my liking. The story development was a tad slow for me too.
I really wish I liked this book more than I did. I was really intrigued by the summary. I honestly wish I liked this story. I really do.
Two out of five stars.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
REVIEW: The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord
(Summary from Goodreads). Brimming with heartfelt relationships and authentic high-school dynamics The Start of Me and You proves that it’s never too late for second chances.
It’s been a year since it happened—when Paige Hancock’s first boyfriend died in an accident. After shutting out the world for two years, Paige is finally ready for a second chance at high school . . . and she has a plan. First: Get her old crush, Ryan Chase, to date her—the perfect way to convince everyone she’s back to normal. Next: Join a club—simple, it’s high school after all. But when Ryan’s sweet, nerdy cousin, Max, moves to town and recruits Paige for the Quiz Bowl team (of all things!) her perfect plan is thrown for a serious loop. Will Paige be able to face her fears and finally open herself up to the life she was meant to live?
I was VERY excited to read Emery's latest book. I loved Open Road Summer so much. I really loved this story the same (it reminded me of Jessi Kirby's Things We Know By Heart). Paige had a boyfriend pass away unexpectedly. She had a rough time getting over something so tragic. She wasn't dating him for long, but his death had an impact on her life. His death made more of an impact because of the way that he passed.
Paige is finally starting to live her life when she meets Max. Just being around him helps her to forget about what happened with her late boyfriend. Max is literally my dream guy. He is so nerdy, sarcastic, and watches TV/reads. It is a dream. Haha. I really loved getting to know Max.
I love that Emery's books focus on friendship. Realizing who your true friends are is an important part of growing up.
I would *REALLY* love a story about Ryan and Tessa. Just saying. :)
Five out of five stars.
It’s been a year since it happened—when Paige Hancock’s first boyfriend died in an accident. After shutting out the world for two years, Paige is finally ready for a second chance at high school . . . and she has a plan. First: Get her old crush, Ryan Chase, to date her—the perfect way to convince everyone she’s back to normal. Next: Join a club—simple, it’s high school after all. But when Ryan’s sweet, nerdy cousin, Max, moves to town and recruits Paige for the Quiz Bowl team (of all things!) her perfect plan is thrown for a serious loop. Will Paige be able to face her fears and finally open herself up to the life she was meant to live?
I was VERY excited to read Emery's latest book. I loved Open Road Summer so much. I really loved this story the same (it reminded me of Jessi Kirby's Things We Know By Heart). Paige had a boyfriend pass away unexpectedly. She had a rough time getting over something so tragic. She wasn't dating him for long, but his death had an impact on her life. His death made more of an impact because of the way that he passed.
Paige is finally starting to live her life when she meets Max. Just being around him helps her to forget about what happened with her late boyfriend. Max is literally my dream guy. He is so nerdy, sarcastic, and watches TV/reads. It is a dream. Haha. I really loved getting to know Max.
I love that Emery's books focus on friendship. Realizing who your true friends are is an important part of growing up.
I would *REALLY* love a story about Ryan and Tessa. Just saying. :)
Five out of five stars.
Monday, April 27, 2015
REVIEW: City Love by Susane Colasanti
(Summary from Goodreads). Sadie, a born and raised New Yorker, is hopeful and romantic and an eternal optimist who is ready to find her soul mate.
Darcy is a free spirit from SoCal with rebellious tendencies and unlimited financial resources, looking for summer boy adventures.
Rosanna leaves Chicago for NYC with a grand total of seventy-three cents so she can reinvent herself and forget about her past.
Sadie, Darcy, and Rosanna are living together in New York City the summer before their freshman year of college begins. With no parents, no rules, and an entire city to explore, these three girls are on the verge of the best summer of their lives. Told from alternating points of view, City Love captures the moments in each girl’s life when everything is thrilling, amazing, and terrifying all at once…in a way it will never be again.
I was very excited for Susane's latest book and the fact that it's a TRILOGY makes me so happy. I have loved her books for years. She is one of my favorite authors. I started reading her books when I found Sarah Dessen's. Her books and writing style has definitely changed throughout the years. It's not a bad change either. :)
I loved this book. Sadie, Darcy, and Rosanna were such fun characters to read about. I loved that each girl was VERY different. They couldn't be more different from each other, but UNY brought them together. I have to say my favorite was Sadie. I have a soft spot for her since she was in another one of Susane's books. I love everything about her. The warm fuzzies, the soul mate talk, and the perfect moments. I really liked Austin at first... but then I realized there was something off about him and I totally guessed what happened! He just... ugh. He's so perfect for Sadie, but TOO PERFECT.
Darcy's view of the summer wasn't that surprising. I know a couple people who liked to have fun during summer and not care what will happen after summer. I know she said that she just wanted to have fun, but deep down she didn't want to do that. She wanted to find a new love. I wish we got to see more of Jude.
Rosanna though... I'm not sure about her. I just don't like characters who don't tell the truth. I'm not too fond of D. He's just... not my favorite character. Something seems off about him. I'm sure he's fine, but he's just not my favorite. Rosanna just needs to tell D the truth.
I literally can't wait until the next book. I still can't believe that it's a trilogy! I can't wait to see what adventures the girls get into during the summer. :)
4.5 out of five stars.
Darcy is a free spirit from SoCal with rebellious tendencies and unlimited financial resources, looking for summer boy adventures.
Rosanna leaves Chicago for NYC with a grand total of seventy-three cents so she can reinvent herself and forget about her past.
Sadie, Darcy, and Rosanna are living together in New York City the summer before their freshman year of college begins. With no parents, no rules, and an entire city to explore, these three girls are on the verge of the best summer of their lives. Told from alternating points of view, City Love captures the moments in each girl’s life when everything is thrilling, amazing, and terrifying all at once…in a way it will never be again.
I was very excited for Susane's latest book and the fact that it's a TRILOGY makes me so happy. I have loved her books for years. She is one of my favorite authors. I started reading her books when I found Sarah Dessen's. Her books and writing style has definitely changed throughout the years. It's not a bad change either. :)
I loved this book. Sadie, Darcy, and Rosanna were such fun characters to read about. I loved that each girl was VERY different. They couldn't be more different from each other, but UNY brought them together. I have to say my favorite was Sadie. I have a soft spot for her since she was in another one of Susane's books. I love everything about her. The warm fuzzies, the soul mate talk, and the perfect moments. I really liked Austin at first... but then I realized there was something off about him and I totally guessed what happened! He just... ugh. He's so perfect for Sadie, but TOO PERFECT.
Darcy's view of the summer wasn't that surprising. I know a couple people who liked to have fun during summer and not care what will happen after summer. I know she said that she just wanted to have fun, but deep down she didn't want to do that. She wanted to find a new love. I wish we got to see more of Jude.
Rosanna though... I'm not sure about her. I just don't like characters who don't tell the truth. I'm not too fond of D. He's just... not my favorite character. Something seems off about him. I'm sure he's fine, but he's just not my favorite. Rosanna just needs to tell D the truth.
I literally can't wait until the next book. I still can't believe that it's a trilogy! I can't wait to see what adventures the girls get into during the summer. :)
4.5 out of five stars.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
REVIEW: The Heatbreakers by Ali Novak
(Summary from Goodreads). "When I met Oliver Perry, I had no clue he was the lead singer for The Heartbreakers. Unbeknownst to him, I was the only girl in the world who hated his music."
Since Cara's health has been deteriorating, all Stella Walter can think about is trying to cheer her sister up. Her life revolves around Cara to the point where Stella drops out of one of the country's top photography programs so she can spend what little time she has left with her sick sister.
With Cara's birthday around the corner, Stella wants to get her the perfect gift. An autographed poster of her sister's favorite boy band should do the trick. Sounds simple enough, right? But life isn't always so easy.
Not only does Stella hate The Heartbreakers because of their terrible music, but when she realizes that the cute boy she met at Starbucks is really Oliver Perry, the lead singer of the band, her life seems to spin out of control...
Will Stella be able to swallow her pride and get the autograph that she so desperately needs to make Cara happy? And will Oliver be able to show Stella how to live her own life again?
Meet... The Heartbreakers.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
This was a really fun book to read. It was unrealistic... because who gets to be a photographer of a guy band and fall in love with one of the members? RIGHT? Well... I'm sure it could happen to someone, but yeah. It was unrealistic.
It was a really fun read though. I loved the narration of the main character and her relationship with her brother and sister. I also really loved her relationship with the members of the band. I thought that it would be confusing to distinguish each of the members, but after a little bit you are able to get each person's personality.
The development of the story was great. I loved every minute of it...and couldn't help but laugh out loud at some of the banter between the characters.
I really liked Novak's previous book (and can't wait for the sequel to that one). I was super excited when I saw this available to read! I really like this author's writing style.
Four out of five stars.
Since Cara's health has been deteriorating, all Stella Walter can think about is trying to cheer her sister up. Her life revolves around Cara to the point where Stella drops out of one of the country's top photography programs so she can spend what little time she has left with her sick sister.
With Cara's birthday around the corner, Stella wants to get her the perfect gift. An autographed poster of her sister's favorite boy band should do the trick. Sounds simple enough, right? But life isn't always so easy.
Not only does Stella hate The Heartbreakers because of their terrible music, but when she realizes that the cute boy she met at Starbucks is really Oliver Perry, the lead singer of the band, her life seems to spin out of control...
Will Stella be able to swallow her pride and get the autograph that she so desperately needs to make Cara happy? And will Oliver be able to show Stella how to live her own life again?
Meet... The Heartbreakers.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
This was a really fun book to read. It was unrealistic... because who gets to be a photographer of a guy band and fall in love with one of the members? RIGHT? Well... I'm sure it could happen to someone, but yeah. It was unrealistic.
It was a really fun read though. I loved the narration of the main character and her relationship with her brother and sister. I also really loved her relationship with the members of the band. I thought that it would be confusing to distinguish each of the members, but after a little bit you are able to get each person's personality.
The development of the story was great. I loved every minute of it...and couldn't help but laugh out loud at some of the banter between the characters.
I really liked Novak's previous book (and can't wait for the sequel to that one). I was super excited when I saw this available to read! I really like this author's writing style.
Four out of five stars.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
REVIEW: Things We Know by Heart by Jessi Kirby
(Summary from Goodreads). When Quinn Sullivan meets the recipient of her boyfriend’s donated heart, the two form an unexpected connection.
After Quinn loses her boyfriend, Trent, in an accident their junior year, she reaches out to the recipients of his donated organs in hopes of picking up the pieces of her now-unrecognizable life. She hears back from some of them, but the person who received Trent’s heart has remained silent. The essence of a person, she has always believed, is in the heart. If she finds Trent’s, then maybe she can have peace once and for all.
Risking everything in order to finally lay her memories to rest, Quinn goes outside the system to track down nineteen-year-old Colton Thomas—a guy whose life has been forever changed by this priceless gift. But what starts as an accidental run-in quickly develops into more, sparking an undeniable attraction. She doesn't want to give in to it—especially since he has no idea how they're connected—but their time together has made Quinn feel alive again. No matter how hard she’s falling for Colton, each beat of his heart reminds her of all she’s lost…and all that remains at stake.
This book though. It was so beautiful, heartbreaking, and fun to read. I really loved everything about this book. I honestly believe in kismet and it was fate that Colton and Quinn met the way they did. I loved that Colton brought Quinn a sunflower. It was like Trent was there… and was a part of Colton in more ways than one. It was heartbreaking what Quinn had to go to. I can't even imagine going throughs something like that.
Jessi's writing was beautiful. It was just so perfect for the story. Everything about what was going on and what happened was so heartfelt. I felt for Quinn throughout the whole story.
Everyone needs to pick up this book right away. It is a great read and definitely Jessi's best book so far. I want to read more about Quinn and Colton!
Five out of five stars.
After Quinn loses her boyfriend, Trent, in an accident their junior year, she reaches out to the recipients of his donated organs in hopes of picking up the pieces of her now-unrecognizable life. She hears back from some of them, but the person who received Trent’s heart has remained silent. The essence of a person, she has always believed, is in the heart. If she finds Trent’s, then maybe she can have peace once and for all.
Risking everything in order to finally lay her memories to rest, Quinn goes outside the system to track down nineteen-year-old Colton Thomas—a guy whose life has been forever changed by this priceless gift. But what starts as an accidental run-in quickly develops into more, sparking an undeniable attraction. She doesn't want to give in to it—especially since he has no idea how they're connected—but their time together has made Quinn feel alive again. No matter how hard she’s falling for Colton, each beat of his heart reminds her of all she’s lost…and all that remains at stake.
This book though. It was so beautiful, heartbreaking, and fun to read. I really loved everything about this book. I honestly believe in kismet and it was fate that Colton and Quinn met the way they did. I loved that Colton brought Quinn a sunflower. It was like Trent was there… and was a part of Colton in more ways than one. It was heartbreaking what Quinn had to go to. I can't even imagine going throughs something like that.
Jessi's writing was beautiful. It was just so perfect for the story. Everything about what was going on and what happened was so heartfelt. I felt for Quinn throughout the whole story.
Everyone needs to pick up this book right away. It is a great read and definitely Jessi's best book so far. I want to read more about Quinn and Colton!
Five out of five stars.
Monday, April 20, 2015
YALLWest and Festival of Books 2015
April is full of book related events. This year was no different. YALLWest took place last weekend (April 11th and 12th). It was the first year of this particular event. There is also a YALLFest that takes place on the East Coast in South Carolina and I've heard that it is very unorganized. I have to say that YALLWest was no different. It was very unorganized. I go there at 11 AM and stood in line right away for Tahereh Mafi's signing. RIGHT after I got out of line for that I got in line for another signing… and then another. The signings were stacked one after the other with no time considered for super popular authors and the fact that they would need more signing time than others. I planned on getting to the EpicReads table to score an ARC of Emmy and Oliver by Robin Benway (but… the signing lines took too long so I didn't get one). I did get to meet a couple authors I really wanted to, but overall I found that it was not organized like it should have been. One of my complaints was that for some authors there was a three book limit to get signed and that wasn't mentioned at all until the actual signing.
LA Times Festival of Books is my favorite book event to go to. It is WAY more organized and calm. This year I went on only Saturday (April 17th) and met TEN authors (compared to YALLWest where I met… 4?). FOB is always very crowded, but honestly it is so calm and more organized. Not only that but there are tons of authors that go… anywhere from Fiction to YA to celebrity authors. It is a wide variety of authors and exhibitors. There are booksellers from independent booksellers and independent authors/editors. There is a lot to see.
I had TONS of fun this year. I met one of my favorite authors of all time (Sarah Dessen) and it was amazing. One of the ways to meet your favorite authors without a line is to go towards the end of the signing time. I went to one (I got the time mixed up) at the end of the signing time and was able to just walk up to the table to get my books signed. Authors that were my top priority to meet were the ones that I lined up for early… other authors it was totally casual and could just walk up to the table at the end of their signing time.
I would honestly recommend to anyone to go to LA Times Festival of Books. It is a great way to meet authors who are local and who fly in for the event. There is a lot to do and see plus it is at a gorgeous campus (USC). You can bring as many books as you want and there is no limit to how many authors will sign. You get to talk to them in a casual way and not feel rushed… also no fangirls who are crazy. It's an event surrounded by authors and other people who have the same love for books.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
REVIEW: Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider
(Summary from Goodreads). From the author of The Beginning of Everything: two teens with a deadly disease fall in love on the brink of a cure.
At seventeen, overachieving Lane finds himself at Latham House, a sanatorium for teens suffering from an incurable strain of tuberculosis. Part hospital and part boarding school, Latham is a place of endless rules and confusing rituals, where it's easier to fail breakfast than it is to flunk French.
There, Lane encounters a girl he knew years ago. Instead of the shy loner he remembers, Sadie has transformed. At Latham, she is sarcastic, fearless, and utterly compelling. Her friends, a group of eccentric troublemakers, fascinate Lane, who has never stepped out of bounds his whole life. And as he gradually becomes one of them, Sadie shows him their secrets: how to steal internet, how to sneak into town, and how to disable the med sensors they must wear at all times.
But there are consequences to having secrets, particularly at Latham House. And as Lane and Sadie begin to fall in love and their group begins to fall sicker, their insular world threatens to come crashing down. Told in alternating points of view, Extraordinary Means is a darkly funny story about doomed friendships, first love, and the rare miracle of second chances.
Thank you to Robyn and EpicReads for an ARC of this book. :)
This was such a great read. I quickly fell in love with all of the characters and enjoyed reading about their adventure in Latham. It is a really funny, quirky, heartbreaking book about a group of friends who live in a sanatorium for teens with TB.
The friendship between the group of friends is really interesting. I like that they are all honest with each other (in a way…) and want to make the most out of their time in Latham. They don't care what others think of them. They are a group of misfits who fit together in an unlikely way.
I can't talk much about the story because spoilers… but I kind of predicted that it would happen. I wasn't surprised by the ending, but I also didn't want it to happen.
Honestly I really loved this story. It is a great read about friendship, love, and new experiences. And I really loved the talk of Dapper Day and the video about the guy who acts like various animals.
Five out of five stars.
At seventeen, overachieving Lane finds himself at Latham House, a sanatorium for teens suffering from an incurable strain of tuberculosis. Part hospital and part boarding school, Latham is a place of endless rules and confusing rituals, where it's easier to fail breakfast than it is to flunk French.
There, Lane encounters a girl he knew years ago. Instead of the shy loner he remembers, Sadie has transformed. At Latham, she is sarcastic, fearless, and utterly compelling. Her friends, a group of eccentric troublemakers, fascinate Lane, who has never stepped out of bounds his whole life. And as he gradually becomes one of them, Sadie shows him their secrets: how to steal internet, how to sneak into town, and how to disable the med sensors they must wear at all times.
But there are consequences to having secrets, particularly at Latham House. And as Lane and Sadie begin to fall in love and their group begins to fall sicker, their insular world threatens to come crashing down. Told in alternating points of view, Extraordinary Means is a darkly funny story about doomed friendships, first love, and the rare miracle of second chances.
Thank you to Robyn and EpicReads for an ARC of this book. :)
This was such a great read. I quickly fell in love with all of the characters and enjoyed reading about their adventure in Latham. It is a really funny, quirky, heartbreaking book about a group of friends who live in a sanatorium for teens with TB.
The friendship between the group of friends is really interesting. I like that they are all honest with each other (in a way…) and want to make the most out of their time in Latham. They don't care what others think of them. They are a group of misfits who fit together in an unlikely way.
I can't talk much about the story because spoilers… but I kind of predicted that it would happen. I wasn't surprised by the ending, but I also didn't want it to happen.
Honestly I really loved this story. It is a great read about friendship, love, and new experiences. And I really loved the talk of Dapper Day and the video about the guy who acts like various animals.
Five out of five stars.
Monday, April 6, 2015
REVIEW: What You Left Behind by Jessica Verdi
(Summary from Goodreads). It’s all Ryden’s fault. If he hadn’t gotten Meg pregnant, she would have never stopped her chemo treatments and would still be alive. Instead, he’s failing fatherhood one dirty diaper at a time. And it’s not like he’s had time to grieve while struggling to care for their infant daughter, start his senior year, and earn the soccer scholarship he needs to go to college.
The one person who makes Ryden feel like his old self is Joni. She’s fun and energetic—and doesn’t know he has a baby. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to keep his two worlds separate. Finding one of Meg’s journals only stirs up old emotions, and Ryden’s convinced Meg left other notebooks for him to find, some message to help his new life make sense. But how is he going to have a future if he can’t let go of the past?
This was my first Jessica Verdi book. I have to say I really liked it. I would say that this book was not YA. It was more grown up in some ways. It was not a short book either. It took me a couple days to read and I didn't think I would like it. I slowly got sucked into the story and had to know what would happens with Ryden. I really wanted to know if he would ever find his father. His relationship with his moms as so adorable. I love how supportive she was of everything her son chose to do. She was such a strong character that provided endless support even if she knew that what he chose was the wrong decision. She wanted him to learn on his own, and that was just amazing. She wasn't upset with him for being a teenage father… and provided help when he needed. I love that.
Meg's whole story was so heartbreaking. I feel like she did the right decision by choosing to leave behind something for Ryden. Yes, he's a teenage father, but in a way she left part of herself in Hope. She didn't just die without leaving anything behind… she left an actual person who was half of her. You know?
The whole story was so sad. Ryden was holding a lot of grief even after Meg passed. He really didn't have time to grieve her death because he had a baby to take care of.
This was just a different story to read. The narration from Ryden's perspective was a little weird. I honestly didn't think it was a guy at first just because the voice was so grown up… but still childish, in a way. It was just different. He definitely and to grow up very fast being a teenage father without having the support of the baby's mom.
I loved the development of the story. It was slow, but there were points where the main character found stuff out about Meg that caused the story to pick up and move faster. It was just different.
4.5 out of five stars.
The one person who makes Ryden feel like his old self is Joni. She’s fun and energetic—and doesn’t know he has a baby. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to keep his two worlds separate. Finding one of Meg’s journals only stirs up old emotions, and Ryden’s convinced Meg left other notebooks for him to find, some message to help his new life make sense. But how is he going to have a future if he can’t let go of the past?
This was my first Jessica Verdi book. I have to say I really liked it. I would say that this book was not YA. It was more grown up in some ways. It was not a short book either. It took me a couple days to read and I didn't think I would like it. I slowly got sucked into the story and had to know what would happens with Ryden. I really wanted to know if he would ever find his father. His relationship with his moms as so adorable. I love how supportive she was of everything her son chose to do. She was such a strong character that provided endless support even if she knew that what he chose was the wrong decision. She wanted him to learn on his own, and that was just amazing. She wasn't upset with him for being a teenage father… and provided help when he needed. I love that.
Meg's whole story was so heartbreaking. I feel like she did the right decision by choosing to leave behind something for Ryden. Yes, he's a teenage father, but in a way she left part of herself in Hope. She didn't just die without leaving anything behind… she left an actual person who was half of her. You know?
The whole story was so sad. Ryden was holding a lot of grief even after Meg passed. He really didn't have time to grieve her death because he had a baby to take care of.
This was just a different story to read. The narration from Ryden's perspective was a little weird. I honestly didn't think it was a guy at first just because the voice was so grown up… but still childish, in a way. It was just different. He definitely and to grow up very fast being a teenage father without having the support of the baby's mom.
I loved the development of the story. It was slow, but there were points where the main character found stuff out about Meg that caused the story to pick up and move faster. It was just different.
4.5 out of five stars.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
REVIEW: Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone
(Summary from Goodreads). If you could read my mind, you wouldn't be smiling.
Samantha McAllister looks just like the rest of the popular girls in her junior class. But hidden beneath the straightened hair and expertly applied makeup is a secret that her friends would never understand: Sam has Purely-Obsessional OCD and is consumed by a stream of dark thoughts and worries that she can't turn off.
Second-guessing every move, thought, and word makes daily life a struggle, and it doesn't help that her lifelong friends will turn toxic at the first sign of a wrong outfit, wrong lunch, or wrong crush. Yet Sam knows she'd be truly crazy to leave the protection of the most popular girls in school. So when Sam meets Caroline, she has to keep her new friend with a refreshing sense of humor and no style a secret, right up there with Sam's weekly visits to her psychiatrist.
Caroline introduces Sam to Poet's Corner, a hidden room and a tight-knit group of misfits who have been ignored by the school at large. Sam is drawn to them immediately, especially a guitar-playing guy with a talent for verse, and starts to discover a whole new side of herself. Slowly, she begins to feel more "normal" than she ever has as part of the popular crowd . . . until she finds a new reason to question her sanity and all she holds dear
Samantha McAllister looks just like the rest of the popular girls in her junior class. But hidden beneath the straightened hair and expertly applied makeup is a secret that her friends would never understand: Sam has Purely-Obsessional OCD and is consumed by a stream of dark thoughts and worries that she can't turn off.
Second-guessing every move, thought, and word makes daily life a struggle, and it doesn't help that her lifelong friends will turn toxic at the first sign of a wrong outfit, wrong lunch, or wrong crush. Yet Sam knows she'd be truly crazy to leave the protection of the most popular girls in school. So when Sam meets Caroline, she has to keep her new friend with a refreshing sense of humor and no style a secret, right up there with Sam's weekly visits to her psychiatrist.
Caroline introduces Sam to Poet's Corner, a hidden room and a tight-knit group of misfits who have been ignored by the school at large. Sam is drawn to them immediately, especially a guitar-playing guy with a talent for verse, and starts to discover a whole new side of herself. Slowly, she begins to feel more "normal" than she ever has as part of the popular crowd . . . until she finds a new reason to question her sanity and all she holds dear
I literally LOVED this book. It is so beautifully written and amazing. Sam has OCD and it isn't what you typically think of when you think OCD (obsessively clean and tidy). She keeps her OCD from all her friends except Caroline.
I love the friendship that she finds with Poet's Corner. They truly understand her even if they don't know everything about her. They want to be there for Sam whereas her real friends aren't there for her. I love that all the people in Poet's Corner are different. They aren't the popular people, but the people who need a place to feel accepted. I really wish everyone had a place like that in school.
The fact that mental health is brought up in this book is why I love it so much. It isn't the typical story of mental health. This it not the typical YA book… honestly it is different. It is older somehow. There are some books that are for younger YA audiences, and I feel like this one is for everyone (if not the older audience of YA).
Honestly an amazing book. Definitely one of my favorites of the year (tied with All the Bright Places).
Beautifully written story with a powerful message. Everyone needs to read it.
Five out of five stars.